Madison Lisa Equestrian

21/09/2024

Looking for a trainer that doesn’t quite follow the status-quo? Someone who believes the best trainer for your horse is YOU?

I am proud to be officially re-opening my books to clients around the 📍Jimboomba area and surrounds (travel rates apply).

Very limited spaces available, and services will include:

🐴 Problem Solving
🐴 Starting Under Saddle
🐴 Sales Preparation
🐴 Re-Education

Methods that advocate for horse health and mentality. Multiple disciplines covered, get in contact to discuss more.

07/02/2024

You’ll find most gadgets have no place in my training regime 😉

🧠EQUINE TRIVIA ANSWER🧠
This may cause some controversy, but it’s important that you know there are ZERO 👌 benefits to using these restrictive aids. Here’s just a few reasons why:
1: Backwards pressure on the head will compress the neck and the horse looses their power from behind. The horse needs the hindend to move straight.
2: The horse falls onto the front end creating choppy steps and compromising their balance, vision and breathing.
3: Posture is dynamic. Meaning a horse should not be forced into a frame. Even the best looking posture with ruin a body if the horse cannot move or relax their muscles. A fixed headset does not build fitness. It builds stiffness.
4: The head and neck are communicating what is happening in the body. When the body is in balance the head and neck will follow. But micro-managing the head will only create tension and make the horse brace, making you fight harder with the body.
5: The horse will build muscle, yes. But not in the areas we desire. It will make for an overdeveloped neck and no engagement through the thoracic sling. This can lead to issues such as; kissing spine, tendon injuries, hock and stifle pain, nerve compression, and so much more.
There are no quick fixes! Only correct training. Headset should not be focused on too deeply. Ride and work with the body and the head and neck will fall into place.

26/01/2024

Let horses move past their “story”

When you’re in the thick of it, the story is real. The behaviors can be explained by a past, near or far. Some of it may be valid, some may be our interpretation, some may be best guesses. Either way, here we are.

But horses have a strong desire to be balanced. If given half a chance, most of them, I’ve found, adapt. Some need a little more help, some have a missing ingredient that helps them complete the recipe of wellness. But usually, people are in the way.

I’ve been that person too. It’s easy. You tell the story over and over - “she was traumatized.” “You won’t be able to catch her, she hates men.” “She doesn’t trailer.” “She had an accident while tying so she doesn’t tie.” These things may have been true at one time, but without adapting our awareness to the current moment day by day, moment by moment, we so often keep the horses progress stifled.

I can’t tell you how many troubled horses I’ve had that I tip toed around, told the public to watch out, and one day discovered them calmly standing. Before my very eyes they had turned into another horse, and I was so busy talking about them I hadn’t noticed who they were now.

17/01/2024

Some thoughts on my mind recently…

As a horse owner and trainer, I feel a burden for my passion. Often the expenses, the early mornings and late nights, success and failures of being an “equestrian” make me question whether or not I want to keep going.

But when I see corruption in the highest levels of our sport, I feel angry.

When I see outdated (and downright abusive) training methods used by trainers taking money from people who don’t know better, I feel cheated.

When I see people putting winnings and status above their horses welfare, I feel helpless.

When I see young undeveloped horses being ridden, raced, jumped, I feel heartbroken.

I feel the heavy heavy burden, that if I DON’T, who will? If I bow out, who will teach the next generation? Who will show ethical methods that create connection and healthy horses?

Who will challenge our stewards of this sport to be better, and hold higher standards? Who will pave the way for new rules to be put in place?

Who will support all the young minds wanting to know how to love their horses the right way? Who will teach them how to be their horses teacher?

I know there are trainers out there like me! We share a vision for a different future in the equestrian world, we want the best for all horses, and a community that supports one another.

But still in this current day and age, we are not the majority. I encounter scenarios daily, in person and online that shatters me. That makes me realise we HAVE to be the change.

So I encourage you to stick with it. Choosing the “right” way isn’t always easy. It takes longer, costs more, and challenges us. But nothing beats knowing your horses are happy, healthy and connected with you.

- Madison 🐴

01/01/2024

Happy New Year to all of our clients and followers! 🎉🍾

2024 goals include better weather for all…

📸 - Shannon OK Portraits

01/12/2023

Sadly both Dr Reiner Klimke and Susan Hayes Woods are no longer with us, but this edited interview from 1995 is a pignant reminder that modern dressage started to go wrong over 20 years ago...

SUSAN’S INTERVIEW WITH DR. REINER KLIMKE AT THE AACHEN CHIO JULY 1995

Susan: I was watching you as you schooled Biotop in the indoor arena this morning, and it was wonderful. I noticed you were working him in a fat snaffle, and I wondered if you could talk about the importance of working in the snaffle for upper level horses.

Klimke: I ride at home only once a week on the double bridle.

Susan: Do you mean for most of your Grand Prix horses, or for this one especially?

Klimke: All. I want to have them very light in my hand. It is easier when they are really “through”, and they take the bit and take your hands. Then they are not afraid to come out to the double bridle.

Susan: Biotop seems to be very “out” to the bridle–there is not a lot of overflexing.

Klimke: And when he goes in extensions, the neck and frame extend too. And yet there are horses who make their extensions with overflexed necks and they score just as well…

Susan: Can you explain that?

Klimke: Well, when I tell you this, I don’t want to sound jealous, but I live for classical riding. Classical riding means that the horse must go: that is, the energy must come through and the horse reaches forward. But the judges don’t always mark accordingly. I don’t mind; I know what is right. I have been in this sport for nearly 40 years.

Susan: I also saw today that you were doing a lot of work on the basic paces, and simple transitions.

Klimke: Yes. The horse must go forward and he must be happy. If the horse is happy and he trusts you, then you can teach him. If you punish him, that is wrong.

Susan: They never forget. Is there any place for punishment in riding?

Klimke: I hate to punish a horse. It must not be. It can happen to anybody. Sometimes you lose your patience, you try to make the horse a slave. But it is not right. Sometimes you see riders blowing up, even here, with top riders. I say to myself, “Poor horse, I wouldn’t like to be in your stable.”

Susan: Why does it happen? A lot of these riders will teach and talk about riding classically, and mean to do it, but then it is different here. Is it the pressure?

Klimke: I think everybody wants to win. Perhaps they think if they make a horse tired it will be submissive. Sometimes it may work, but if you really look you can see what is wrong. Some judges don’t have a really good eye, and they judge by punishing mistakes, like too many or too few strides in a pirouette, for example.

Susan: Too much counting and not enough…

Klimke: Yes. The principle is: how is the walk, how is the trot, how is the canter, how is the acceptance of the bridle, how does the back work–all of these things. And in addition, the figures. But they deduct too much if a figure is not 100% okay. You see? If you make a pirouette and the horse really uses his hindquarters, and maybe the pirouette is a little big, you should not be given a 5.

Susan: That’s a little extreme.

Klimke: Yes. It can be at least a 6, can also be a 7, when the horse really canters classically. Even if the circle was too large, remember that you must deduct from 10. The judge must be able to see the main achievement of a horse and rider, in a movement.

Susan: This brings up another question, and that is–there are some amazing equine athletes here, and some of them get a lot of points because of that. Where are the places in the Grand Prix test where the talent can’t cover up the problems with the training?

Klimke: I look only at the way that the horse moves, in all three gaits. He must come from behind, with a swinging back. The head and neck must seek the bit. I hate it if the horse comes behind the vertical and stays there. When the horse is really “through”, you must be able to open and close the frame, and keep him reaching into the bit. And right now, in the judging, in my opinion, this doesn’t count for enough. But sooner or later, good riding will be rewarded. You must not lose your patience, you see. And don’t give up.

https://woodsdressage.com/ for the full interview and about Susan Hayes Woods

Concordia Equestrians.
Register as a Friend or Professional and help us make the world a better place to be a horse www.concordiaequestrians.org

26/11/2023

So glad to see our resident “oldie” looking so much better in the two weeks after his long trip up North.

Travelling can take a huge toll on the body of horses. They require balance on every twist and turn, and can become very exhausted. Our horses travelled over 20hrs in three days to relocate with us.

We are grateful to the knowledgeable hands of North QLD Horse Transport helping us bring some of the horses up. Watching for signs of travel sickness, giving adequate nutrition and plenty of rest are the keys to supporting horses in travel.

22/11/2023

Bookings are coming in for 26th of November for CAIRNS AREA. (That’s this Sunday!)

Message if you want a session for this day 🦄

Services include:

• Sale Preparation
• Re-education under saddle
• Problem solving
• Groundwork/Horsemanship work
• General ridden work or exercise

Covering most disciplines. With methods focused on biomechanical soundness and equitation science.

Call 0482 949 213 or send us a message 📲

20/11/2023

We are opening expressions of interest for a Cairns area training day.

We’ve had a lot of messages asking if we travel that far. If we organise a few bookings I can possibly waive travel fees.

Please message if you are in this area or surrounds and looking for:

• Re-Education under saddle
• Groundwork/horsemanship work
• Sale Preparation
• General ridden work

At this stage I am unable to offer “lessons” until my coaching accreditation is complete, this concerns public liability insurance etc.

Once we have enough interest we can look at some dates 📅📲 (Can become a regular occurrence if viable!)

16/11/2023

Cricket is still looking for his special person! Please reach out for more info, if I was able to I would snap this guy up myself 🦄

16/11/2023

Horses need horsemen. It's that simple. I get asked the same questions over and over again and nobody gets it. What level rider is this horse suitable for? I'll tell you, the best one she can get, the best horseman that's willing to buy her. The horse will only ever be as good as the rider. It doesn't matter if it's trained to jump hoops of fire, you're gonna bring it down to your level in no time. Your kid doesn't need a $15,000 horse if they haven't already had $15,000 worth of lessons. You can't buy a violin that will gift you the skill of playing. It's the same for horses. There is no magic horse, only a love for the animal, and a commitment to learning.

Most of you are so unfair and demanding of the horse you miss the forest for the trees. "I want a horse that rides out alone!!" well guess what, you better be ready to spend a year developing that relationship, that bond, that trust, she's not a bike, you can't buy trust.

"I want a horse that can sit and be the same after time off" well friend, this is a commitment to a relationship, not a classic car you take out of the garage twice a year. You can't buy what your looking for.

"I want a horse my kids can ride" you better be ready to teach your kids how to be horseman, because if the horse has to do it, you'll likely see the inside of an ambulance, or a morgue.

You can't buy trust, you cannot buy what comes with building a relationship with an animal over years of dedication.

Brittnee Woodward-Whitehead wrote this

13/11/2023

❗️Public Service Announcement post: ❗️

Thank you to all with your patience these last few weeks! As some know we have made the huge move to Far North QLD, and there’s a chance we may have missed messages or been slow to reply 😵‍💫

We want to thank our Toowoomba community for all the memories, and we wish you all the best with your future horsey endeavours. Our services are still only a message away for any assistance we can help with.

And to all our new friends we are sure to meet here in the tropics, we look forward to working with you soon. Rain, humidity or mosquitoes 😉
While our horses are having a well deserved rest after their long journey, we have plenty of availability for client horses and training sessions.

Get in touch! 📲🦄

08/11/2023

Introducing a special friend!

I’ve had the pleasure of working with Cricket these last two weeks. He is being advertised on behalf of his owner to find someone more suitable for his needs.

Due to his past history and ill-fitting saddles, Cricket has gone back to basics and needs complete restarting. He’s a fella who needs a very patient owner or trainer, happy to discuss further for serious enquiries.

This horse has no DIRT, but he is working through mental reactions that have caused him to buck and/or rear. If you do not know the difference between these you will not be the right person for Cricket. The last two weeks have seen him show lots of progress relaxing around me, and being able to work through tension.

What he needs most of all is someone who will listen to him, and take the time to understand what he is and isn’t okay with before moving on. Cricket was previously used on feedlot, and has since had extensive body work and chiro to correct previous saddle damage. Up to date with teeth, feet, Hendra etc.

Details:

QH x SH (unregistered)
7yrs old
Located Toowoomba
Pm for more details
💲will reflect his needs, genuine enquiries only as he will not go to anyone.

21/10/2023

We’ve got our hands on some awesome products from the H**p Shack - Aust.

After much discussion with Cliff when he presented his products at The Horse Den we decided it was a no brainer!

The horses will be more than happy with this range to keep them healthy inside and out 👏🏼
Stay tuned to see the results and report.

20/10/2023

Another visual for you all piggy backing on the last discussion of rhythm vs. tempo. Once you understand tempo (the speed of the rhythm) you start to understand that you have to find the *ideal* tempo for your horse. Most horses tend to go too fast or too slow, and they all vary in their tempo. Finding that sweet spot is hard and keeping it is harder.

So here’s an equation to help. Longest possible strides plus slowest possible tempo equals the ideal working trot. A good way to visualize it is a Venn diagram - where is the confluence of those two things. ONLY asking for the longest possible strides from your horse will get you a horse who is just running - out of balance, pushing out behind and hollow in the top line. ONLY finding the slowest possible tempo will get you a toe dragging, shuffling trot that is maybe relaxed but definitely not pushing and swinging.

To find that “sweet spot,” you might need to experiment between the two. If the tempo feels nice and steady and fairly slow, can you ask for longer and longer strides without quickening it? Or if the trot feels big and ground covering but a bit quick, can you slow the tempo down incrementally but still cover a lot of ground?

This is definitely an oversimplification. There are many factors involved with finding your horse’s ideal working trot. And each horse is different. But this is a good place to start. If your horse tends to be too slow, work more on finding the length of stride, even if the horse rushes a bit at first. And if your horse tends to rush, work toward a slower and slower tempo, even if the strides get too short to start with.

Hat tip to my mom, Cindy Sydnor, who always taught the idea of this Venn diagram. And thanks to the amazing Susan DiFelice for bringing it to life with her amazing artistic skills.

29/09/2023

Could not be happier with Vera’s new home, we know she’s in the best hands possible! 🥰

18/09/2023

Our darling girl ML Truly Platinum has found her perfect new family in Victoria. We’ve enjoyed all the cuddles and funny moments, but we can’t wait to see what else she can achieve!

11/09/2023

https://www.horsedeals.com.au/listings/registered-friesian-warmblood-grey-mare

By Yasper Van Gelder out of a LionHunter TB mare. Very sweet and quiet. Was started under saddle in January of this year. Needs confident experienced rider to further education. Has competed in dressage with impressive scores, amazing temperament at shows. No nasties, not marey at all. Easy keeper,....